Apparatus and method using near field communications

ABSTRACT

A near field communications enabled mobile communication is used to provide or receive information.

This application is a non-provisional utility application of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/848,058, filed on Sep. 29, 2006,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to wireless electronic data transfer, andto circuits and methods for secure wireless information transactions.

A Smartcard is a plastic card with an embedded integrated circuitcomputer chip (i.e., a piece of thin, semiconductor material, such assilicon) that has been chemically processed and etched with a specificset of electrical characteristics such as circuits, storage, and logicelements of smartcard elements. When coupled with a near fieldcommunication reader, this combination has the processing power toperform the complex operations previously requiring a personal computeror other large logic device.

In the form of a credit card, a Smartcard contains a built-insemi-conductor chip. The chip memory stores payment information, e.g.,account information, similar to a magnetic stripe on the back of acredit card, but may also include additional information such asissuer-defined controls (e.g., online authorization frequencyrequirements, floor limits, credit limit, etc.). Many smartcards issuedin the United States will also include an embossed sixteen-digit accountnumber in the magnetic stripe. The non-chip features allow the smartcardto be used at storefronts that are not equipped to interact with smartchips. Smartcards can also be contactless or wireless, meaning thesmartcard transfers data to and from another near field communicationenabled device via a built-in antenna without physically touching theother near field communication enabled device. A smartcard is an exampleof a device that communicates in communication protocols and frequenciesnow commonly known as near field communications (“NFC”). Thus, as isknown in the art, communications between electronic devices usingsmartcard protocols and frequencies are NFC.

Smartcard chips can be categorized as either intelligent chips or memorychips. Intelligent chips, i.e., smart chips, contain a microprocessorthat has various read/write capabilities (e.g., EEPROM and ROM space),and the smart chip interacts with a NFC reader using softwareapplications stored on the chip. Conversely, some Smartcard memory chipslack processing capability and do not manage files dynamically.Generally, the Smartcards currently issued by bank card issuers in theUnited States for payment contain intelligent chips and have processingpower. For example, a Smartcard could contain an access controlapplication where the smart chip authenticates the cardholder andprovides the user with access to a previously locked door or computernetwork. Information on the smart chip is read from a NFC reader, andthe smart chip is designed so that some of the information stored in thesmart chip cannot be changed.

A smart chip operates similarly to a personal computer, e.g., it cancontrol the execution of the applications and it can store information.A smart chip can also lack processing power—be “dumb card.” The primarydifference with a smart chip is that the operating system is programmedinto the ROM portion of the chip at the time of the manufacture andgenerally cannot be altered. There exist several different smartcardoperating systems. Between the operating system and the application isan application programming interface (“API”)—the message managementprocess through which the operating system and the applicationsinteract. The operating system and breadth of applications on the smartchip are not necessarily important to the merchant and card user, aslong as it is an open platform that can interface with a NFC reader andprovide payment information to the merchant's POS terminal. As isconventionally known, a NFC reader can read, i.e., receive NFC signalsand information from other NFC sources, write, i.e., provide NFC signalsand information to other NFC sources, and can emulate a card, e.g., actas a NFC tag.

Software applications on the chip are designed for security and toprocess transactions. Additional applications or information may beadded by the issuing bank, or potentially the card holder, such as aloyalty program, a stored value application, an e-ticket program, or asecure access verification program. When the Smartcard is used totransact payment, a point of sale (“POS”) device often requires a PIN toauthenticate the user. Conventional debit and ATM networks authenticatethe PIN entered by the cardholder using a back-end network (e.g., thePOS device contacts, directly or indirectly, the financial network ofthe user that corresponds to the account number stored in the smartcard.The financial network authenticates the PIN number by comparing theaccount number and the PIN number associated with the account number tothe PIN number entered by the user) since the PIN is not stored ondebit/ATM cards. Unlike an ATM transaction, in a NFC transaction a PINentered by the user is authenticated by the security system resident onthe chip which examines secure information stored in the chip andcompares it to the entered PIN number.

According to ISO standards, a smartcard chip operates in one of twomodes either in contactless mode or in contact mode. In contactlessmode, a smartcard chip is enabled to send and receive wireless NFCcommunications (e.g., radio signals) through a first data channel (ordata channel device). In contact mode, a smartcard chip is enabled tosend and receive direct contact communications (e.g., electricallycoupled signals) through a second data channel. Generally, a smartcardis pre-programmed to operate in a contactless mode and contact mode inconformance with ISO standards.

For example, when using a Smartcard to purchase goods, the consumer willhand their Smartcard to a merchant and the Smartcard is inserted into aNFC reader. The chip contains certain contact points that line up withthe NFC reader to transfer information. For cards that have both amagnetic stripe and the chip, the NFC reader may be programmed toutilize the chip technology over the magnetic stripe since the chip ismore secure. If the Smartcard contains both credit and debitapplications, the cardholder must first select a payment method. At thispoint, the smart chip and record reader communicate to determine severalthings, such as whether the terminal has on-line authorizationcapabilities, whether the card is authentic, and processingrestrictions, e.g., expiration date.

The card communicates to the reader the type of risk management checksthat the card issuer wants to be performed, such as the floor limit,random online processing, and a velocity check, that determines whetheran on-line authorization is necessary. Next, the POS terminal requestsauthorization via the back-end processing network that connects to theseller's financial institution, home office, or bank (if necessary),just like magnetic stripe card. Upon approval, the NFC reader and thesmart chip may exchange additional information such as reward points ore-coupons for the next purchase. This information is then stored on thesmart chip for future use, or could be used for the current transaction.

In contactless, or wireless, Smartcard applications, informationcontained on the Smartcard is transferred in one direction. Informationis provided to the NFC reader when the Smartcard is placed in closeproximity to the NFC reader. For example, a Mobil Speedpass smartcard iswaved near a gas pump (containing a reader) to permit the user topurchase gasoline from the pump. When the Speedpass is placed near thegas pump, the user's account information is wirelessly provided to areader in the gas pump. The account information is then used forapproval of and billing of a gasoline purchase that will follow.

In some applications, information is transferred between the Smartcardand the NFC reader. For example, commuters may use a Smartcard to payfor subway or bus transit, where fares are conventionally paid at thebeginning or conclusion of the metro transit. The Smartcard stores an“electronic cash” value on the card. When entering the metro theSmartcard is placed near the NFC reader on a turnstile and the readerreceives payment information from the Smartcard. The user provides noadditional information to the Smartcard or NFC reader, and does not takeany further action affirming the transaction. If the Smartcard has atleast a predetermined amount of electronic cash, then the smart readerprovides a signal to the Smartcard indicating the metro entry point andprovides a signal to the turnstile, permitting the user to enter. Ifthere are not sufficient electronic funds, then the NFC reader does notprovide a signal to the turnstile, and therefore the user is notpermitted to enter. To exit the metro at the end of the transit, theuser places the Smartcard near the NFC reader of a turnstile. The NFCreader determines the fare (by reading the entry point from theSmartcard), and deducts the fare from the value of the electronic cashstored on the card. The NFC reader provides a signal to the turnstilepermitting the user to exit.

As described above, a contactless Smartcard can be used for informationtransactions (e.g., subway or bus fare transit). However, there islittle to ensure that the person using the contactless Smartcard is thesame person who owns the Smartcard. As Smartcards are typicallypre-programmed to operate in a contactless mode, the information on asmartcard is available to be read by any device capable of readingsmartcards, For example, a valid subway card or Speedpass may be used byanyone in possession of the transit card/Speedpass, respectively, eventhough the possessor of the transit card/Speedpass may not be the ownerof the transit card/Speedpass. Therefore, it would be desirable to havea contactless system that provides an increased level of security forthe information contained within the Smartcard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be morereadily understood from the following detailed description of theinvention which is provided in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the smartlink coupled with a mobile communication device;

FIG. 2 is a cut away, front view of the smartlink of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 shows the smartlink and mobile communication device of FIGS. 1and 2 used in a transaction;

FIG. 4 shows the smartlink and mobile communication device of FIG. 3used in a transaction in greater detail;

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart depicting the operation of the devices ofFIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 shows a smartlink module;

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart depicting the operation of the device of FIG.6;

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of a mobile communication device in;

FIG. 9 shows a smartlink capable device acting as a digital cashregister;

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart depicting a method of use in a vendingmachine context;

FIG. 11 shows a smartlink capable device used in a transaction;

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart depicting a method of use of a device asdepicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a smartlink capable device used in a transaction;

FIG. 14 shows a flow chart depicting a method of use;

FIG. 15 shows a mobile communication device used in a remote transactionconfirmation process;

FIG. 16 shows a flow chart depicting a method of use of an exemplaryembodiment of the invention in a remote transaction confirmationcontext;

FIG. 17 shows the use of a near field communication device to performvirtual in-store ordering according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18 a-e shows the use of a near field communication device toperform paging according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows the use of a near field communication device to receiveinformation according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 20 shows the use of a near field communication device to provideaccess to secured facilities according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention,and it is to be understood that structural, logical, or proceduralchanges may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Although not intended to be limiting, a “smartlink” (smartlink definesNFC capable devices and the ecosystem and infrastructure the NFC enableddevice interacts with) system in a preferred embodiment is a system thatincludes a smartlink server and smartlink capable device. A smartlinkserver is a computer or processing system that maintains informationabout users of smartlink capable devices. This information may include auser's account information, device information, and the like. Thesmartlink server is capable of communicating with a user's smartlinkcapable device through cellular communications as is conventionallyknown. The smartlink server is capable of communicating with othercomputer servers (of seller's, banks, and other institutions) throughconventional means. A smartlink capable device can be any suchembodiment or aspect described below.

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for wirelesstransactions with increased security as well as near field communicationtransactions using mobile communication devices. In exemplaryembodiments, a mobile communication device facilitates information andservice delivery and various applications are provided using the methodsto perform electronic transactions using near field communications.

FIG. 1 shows a smartlink module 100 coupled to mobile communicationdevice 110, e.g., a cell phone. The mobile communication device 110controls and exchanges information with the smartlink module 100, whichis explained in greater detail below. In a preferred use, the mobilecommunication device 110 has a processing unit using a Java J2ME engine.Although described with reference to a the mobile communication device110 having a Java J2ME engine, the mobile communication device is notintended on being so limited.

FIG. 2 is a front-side, cut away view of a smartlink module 100Smartlink module 100 includes processing chip 210 and antennas 250, 260.Smartlink module 100 also includes communication connection pins 240 andmounting clips 230.

The processing chip 210—e.g., smartchip—provides processing and memorystorage including, but not limited to data conversion processing. Onefeature of processing chip 210 is that it converts data between radiowaves and digital/analog signals. Typically, communication betweencontactless NFC devices utilizes radio waves in the form of digitalpackets. In a preferred use, processing chip 210 converts data receivedin the form of radio waves by one of the antennae 250, 260 to data inthe form of digital/analog signals that are then provided to the mobilecommunication device 110 (FIG. 2) through communication path 280 andconnection pin 240. Further, the processing chip 210 converts from datain the form of digital/analog signals that are received from the mobilecommunication device 110 through communication path 280 and connectionpin 240 to the form of radio waves provided to the antennae that will betransmitted by one of the antennae 250, 260. It is known with those withskill in the art how a processing chip 210 converts data between theform of radio waves and the form of the digital/analog signals utilizedby a mobile communication device 110, or other device incorporating aNFC reader. For example, a mobile communication device 110 through thesmartlink module 100 (FIG. 1) can exchange information with a POS device(not shown) having a NFC reader, e.g., a NFC reader. In a preferredembodiment, the processing chip 210 is similar to a smartcard chip in aconventional smartcard, or another similar NFC device, that conformswith ISO standards. Although generally described with processing chip210 performing processing steps, the use is not intended to be solimited. Processing may also be performed, for example, by a mobilecommunication device 110 coupled to the processing chip 210 or by aserver.

The processing chip 210 is preferably preprogrammed with aninitialization program, which is described more fully below. Further,the processing chip 210 in each smartlink module 100 is pre-programmedwith a unique identification code, which is coded on each processingchip 210. In a preferred use, the hard coding of the identification codeoccurs during manufacture. In other aspects, the hard coding of theidentification code occurs after the manufacture of the chip.

Antennas 250, 260 provide wireless communication with another devicecapable of sending and/or receiving NFC signals. In a preferred use, oneof antennas 250, 260 is used for very short range communications, wherethe distance between the antennae 250, 260 and an other NFCtransmitter/receiver, e.g., a POS unit contactless module, is only a fewinches. The other of the antennae 250, 260 is used for longer rangecommunications, where the distance between the antennae 250, 260 and theother transmitter/receiver is several feet. In a preferred use, asmartlink module 100 will use conventional contactless NFC radiofrequencies as established by ISO standards—125 kHz, and 13.56 Mhz forrespectively transmitting to and receiving signals from othercontactless NFC devices. Although the use is described with a number ofantennae used in particular manner and utilizing certain frequencies,the use is not intended to be so limited; it is anticipated that anyantenna configuration at any frequency can be employed.

Communication connection pins 240 provide electronic coupling betweenthe smartlink module 100 and a mobile communication device. Thecommunication connection pins 240 are adapted to couple withcommunication pins or the port of a mobile communication device 110. Thenumber and location of communication connection pins 240 is dependent onthe particular mobile communication device 110 that the smartlink module100 is intended on being coupled with. The communication connection pins240 are electronically coupled to the chip 210 by communication paths280, respectively. Although shown with two communication paths 280, thenumber of communication paths 280 can vary.

Mounting clips 230 provide physical coupling between the smartlinkmodule 100 and a mobile communication device (as seen in FIG. 2). Thenumber and location of mounting clips 230 is dependent on the particularmobile communication device that the smartlink module 100 is intended onbeing coupled to. Although described as “clips,” the use is not intendedto be so limited and may incorporate any appropriate method of fasteningthat couples the smartlink module 100 to a mobile communication device110.

The housing 270 of a smartlink module 100 in a preferred use is one inchwide by one quarter of an inch tall by one quarter of an inch deep.However, the actual dimensions of the housing 270 can vary. The housingcan be constructed of various materials, however, in a preferred use;the housing is constructed from plastic. When a user requests asmartlink module 100 for use with the user's mobile communication device110, the user indicates the make and model of the user's mobilecommunication device 110 to a smartlink module provider (e.g., asupplier, retailer, wholesaler, financial institution). The user isprovided with a smartlink module 100 with a housing 270 adapted to theparticular make and model of mobile communication device 110. Further,the number and location of communication connection pins 240, theconnection clips 230, and communication paths 280 is dependant to themobile communication device 110. In another aspect, the smartlink module100 is universally adaptable.

The mobile communication device 110 controls the operation of theprocessing chip 210. The mobile communication device 110 provides asignal to the processing chip 210 indicating that the processing chip210 should be operating in either contactless or contact mode. Incontactless mode, the processing chip 210 is enabled to send and/orreceive wireless signals, preferably pursuant to NFC protocols, as isknown in the art. In contact mode, the processing chip 210 is enabled tosend and/or receive direct electrically coupled signals. In a preferreduse, a mobile communication device 110 controls the processing chip 210through the use of an application program that resides on the mobilecommunication device 110. For example, after the mobile communicationdevice 110 is initialized (as described below) a Secure transfer programresides on the mobile communication device 110. The Secure transferprogram resides as an executing process in the background of programsexecuting on the mobile communication device 110 as a background processuntil activated for a transaction process, at which time, the Securetransfer program resides in the foreground. When a transaction processis completed, the Secure transfer program again resides as a backgroundprocess.

To use the smartlink module 100 with a mobile communication device 110requires that the smartlink module 100 and mobile communication device110 combination first be initialized. When the smartlink module 100 ispreferably provided to a user an initialization program resides in thechip 210 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, for example, a user can download theinitialization program through the mobile communication device 110 viathe cellular link by dialing a designated telephone number and thenreceiving an initialization application downloaded to the mobilecommunication device. Alternatively, a user may link a mobilecommunication device 110 to another source that provides access to aninitialization application.

Initialization occurs a first time that a smartlink module 100 iscoupled to the mobile communication device 110 and the mobilecommunication device 110 is subsequently activated. For example, whenthe smartlink module 100 is first coupled and the mobile communicationdevice 110 is activated, an initialization program within the processingchip 210 of the smartlink module 100 is activated. The initializationprogram provides the processor of the mobile communication device 110with an application from the smartlink module 100 that generallyincludes two pieces of information: the address of the location fromwhich to download information, e.g., a phone number to call a link orserver connected to a location, and information on how to access acellularly connected or internet connected server located at a uniquemobile IP address.

The second piece of information is the unique identification of thesmartlink module 100, and possibly, the user's financial transactionidentification, e.g., a bank account number or credit card number of theuser. The initialization program on the mobile communication device 110initiates a call to the user's financial institution/transactioncompany, e.g., the bank or credit card company that issued the smartlinkmodule 100 or an institution that will be financially responsible forpayments. The mobile communication device 110 provides the bank the twopieces of information as well as the unique identification of the mobilecommunication device 110, e.g., the Electronic serial number. The mobilecommunication device 110 receives from the bank several pieces of dataincluding, for example, the user's name, address, phone, and otherinformation about the user, which are stored in the mobile communicationdevice 110. The bank also provides to the mobile communication device110 an application, e.g., a secure transfer program that resides in themobile communication device 110 and enables the use of the smartlinkmodule 100 with the mobile communication device 110 as described ingreater detail below.

The initialization program running on the mobile communication device110 prompts the user for a PIN number that is stored within the mobilecommunication device 110. The PIN number may also be provided to thebank and also stored at the bank. The PIN number is, for example, aseries of at least four alphanumeric characters. The PIN number helpsprevent undesirable access to the user's information stored in themobile communication device 110. In another aspect, the initializationcontinues to enable additional features. A user's PIN information (e.g.,password) is different from said user's personal information (e.g.,financial account information, credit card).

During initialization of the smartlink module 100 and mobilecommunication device 110, identifying information of the mobilecommunication device 110, e.g., the ESN or manufacturer serial number isstored in the smartlink module 100. The identifying information of themobile communication device can be supplied in many ways, including, forinstance from the financial institution, from the user during initialapplication for a smartlink or subsequently when accessed by theapplication. Also during initialization, identifying information of thesmartlink module 100, e.g. the smartlink module 100 identification code,is stored in the mobile communication device 110. In a preferred use,this identifying information stored in the mobile communication device110 and smartlink module 100 cannot be deleted or modified after it isfirst stored.

The mobile communication device 110 also requires an application programfor a mobile communications device 110 to operate the smartlink module100. In a preferred use, an application program is loaded into themobile communication device 100 through a cellular connection and thenstored within the mobile communication device. For example, duringinitialization, a Secure transfer program is downloaded into the mobilecommunication device 110. Preferably, after the Secure transfer programis downloaded to the mobile communication device 110, the program beginsexecution as a back ground.

After the initialization successfully occurs and during subsequent useof the mobile communication device, the smartlink module 100 is “mated”to the mobile communication device 110. A program in the smartlinkmodule 100 compares the identifying information of the mobilecommunication device 110 currently coupled to the smartlink module 100to the stored identifying information of the mobile communication device110. The smartlink module 100 is enabled to send and receive signalsonly if the current mobile communication device 110 identifyinginformation corresponds to the stored mobile communication device 110identifying information. Similarly, during subsequent use of the mobilecommunication device 110, a Secure transfer program in the mobilecommunication device 110 compares the identifying information of thesmartlink module 100 currently coupled to the mobile communicationdevice 110 to the stored identifying information of the smartlink module100. The mobile communication device 110 is enabled to send and receivesignals to the smartlink module 100 only if the current smartlink module100 identifying information corresponds to the stored smartlink module100 identifying information. In a preferred use, the respective programsthat compare the identification numbers are part of the circuitry of thesmartlink module 100 and mobile communication device 110, respectively.

FIG. 3 depicts the use of a smartlink module 100 coupled with a mobilecommunication device 110 provides information to a POS device 420through a NFC reader 410. In this use, the mobile communication device110 selectively enables the smartlink module 100 for contactlessinformation transfer. When the smartlink module 100 is enabled,information stored in the smartlink module 100, e.g., a user's accountinformation, is provided in the form of radio waves that can be read bya NFC reader. The mobile communication device 110 enables the smartlinkmodule 100 to operate in contactless mode after the secure transferprogram has received the appropriate PIN number and authenticates thatthe user is the owner of the mobile communication device 110. Otherwise,the mobile communication device 110 enables the smartlink module 100 tooperate in wired mode thereby disabling wireless mode.

As seen in FIG. 3 a smartlink module 100 is coupled to a mobilecommunication device 110. A POS transaction device 420, e.g., a creditcard reader or a cash register, is coupled to a NFC enabled radiotransmitter/receiver device 410, e.g., a contactless NFCreceiver/transmitter. The device 410 provides communication between thesmartlink module 100 of the mobile communication device 110 and the POStransaction device 420. The POS transaction device 420 provides data tothe radio device 410; the radio device 410 provides the data in the formof radio transmissions 452 to the smartlink module 100. The smartlinkmodule 100 provides radio transmissions 452 to the radio device 410; thetransmissions received by the radio device 410 are converted by theradio device 410 into a form recognizable by the POS device 420 andprovided to the POS device 420.

FIG. 4 depicts a use of in greater detail. As seen in FIG. 4, it isknown that a seller's POS device 420 is adapted to be selectivelycoupled to the seller's financial institution server 450 through line456, typically a telecommunication cable. Further, it is known that amobile communication device 110 is adapted to be coupled to a wirelesscommunication tower(s) 460 through wireless transmissions 454, which isconnected to the user's wireless carrier server 466 through line 462,typically a telecommunication cable. Further, it is known to be able toconnect a user's wireless carrier server 466 to the user's financialinstitution server 470 through line 464. It is also conventionally knownthat a user's/buyer's financial institution server 470 and seller'sfinancial institution server 450 can communicate with each other toexchange information. In a conventional use of NFC processing chipcommunications, information is transferred between a NFC transmitter anda NFC receiver in buckets of data, which is known to those with skill inthe art.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart indicating the method of use applied in thecontext of a point of sale (“POS”) transaction. Once the mobilecommunication device 110 has been initialized for use with the smartlinkmodule 100, a secure transfer program resides in the mobilecommunication device 110. When the mobile communication device 110 isactivated, the secure transfer program runs in the background of themobile communication device 110 processes. When the program is runningin the background, it is transparent to the user. The secure transferprogram runs in a “passive” mode and waits for an activation signal. Theactivation signal is, for example, a signal from the mobilecommunication device, for example, by the user entering a key sequence(e.g., one or more keys or buttons being pressed) on the mobilecommunication device. When the Secure transfer program receives theactivation signal, the program becomes active and runs as a foregroundprocesses.

In the following process 500, the operation of the processing chip 210converting data from/to radio waves to digital/analog electrical signalstakes place in the background of process 500, although no specificprocess segment is specifically mentioned. (as show in FIG. 5):

In segment S500, the secure transfer program waits for a signal from amobile communication device by the user. It is assumed that before theprocess begins, the secure transfer program is running as a process inthe mobile communication device 110. The precursor steps to segment S500are that the user begins to purchase goods in a conventional manner. Thegoods are processed by the sales person at their register. When theprocessing of goods is complete, e.g., all the goods have been scanned,the items are totaled. The sales person then prompts the user for themethod of payment. The process continues to segment S501.

In segment S501, the user performs, a key sequence on a mobilecommunication device 110 coupled with the smartlink module 100appropriate to activate the smart transfer program. Process continues tosegment S502.

In segment S502, the secure transfer program recognizes the key sequenceand the secure transfer program become active and executes as aforeground process in the mobile communication device. Process continuesto segment S503.

In segment S503, the secure transfer program prompts the user for hisPIN number. The process continues to segment S504. When the user entershis PIN number. The process continues to segment S505.

In segment S505, the secure transfer program compares the PIN numberentered against the PIN number stored in the mobile communicationdevice. If the comparison indicates that the PIN number matches, thenprocess proceeds to segment S506.

In segment S506, the secure transfer program of the mobile communicationdevice 110 provides a control signal to the coupled smartlink module 100to enable contactless mode. With the smartlink module 100 in contactlessmode, the smartlink module is enabled to transmit, e.g., provideinformation, stored in the smartlink module 100. The process continuesto segment S507.

In segment S507, the user places the mobile communication device 100near the seller's NFC reader 4110 associated with the seller's POSdevice 420. The process continues to segment S508.

In segment S508, the seller's NFC reader 410 receives informationtransmitted from the user's smartlink module 100. The process continuesto segment S509.

In segment S509, using the information received from the smartlinkmodule 100, the seller's device 410 provides that information to theseller's financial institution server 450 (FIG. 4) and traditionalprocessing POS transaction processing begins (as is conventionallyknown). The process continues to segment S510.

In segment S510, the system tests whether the transaction has beenapproved by the buyer's financial institution server 470 (FIG. 4). Theprocess continues to segment S511.

In segment S511, in another aspect, the buyer's and/or seller'sfinancial institution server 470/450 provides an electronic receipt tothe user's mobile communication device 110. The receipt is preferablyprovided in the form of a digital communication (e.g., SMS) that isstored in the mobile communication device 110. Alternatively, the usercan pre-define the option where a digital receipt is sent via email toan email account of the user, with the possibility of automaticallysynchronizing the information with any standard accounting software.Alternatively, the seller's financial institution server 450communicates with the user's financial institution server 470, and theuser's financial institution server 470 (FIG. 4) sends an SMS to themobile communication device 110. The process then continues to segmentS512.

In segment S512, the purchase is completed and the process continues tosegment S513.

In segment S513, the transaction is identified by the system as beingcomplete and the secure transfer program stops running as a process inthe foreground of processes in the mobile communication device 100 andbegins running as a background process. The secure transfer programawaits another signal indicating the start of another transaction. Inanother aspect of the use, the secure transfer program ceases execution.

Thus, information stored in the smartlink module 100 is maintained moresecurely as the module is only in contactless mode for a short amount oftime, thereby minimizing the amount of time that a NFC reader other thanthe intended reader can potentially access the information stored on thesmartlink module. Further, the smartlink module 100 is in contactlessmode only after a user has provided a correct password.

Alternatively, the processing chip 210 and/or one or both antennae 250,260 of the smartlink module 100 are located partially or fully withinthe housing of a mobile communication device and additionally may not behoused in a housing 270 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, one or both antennae250, 260 are omitted and the smartlink module 100 utilizes either of theantennae of coupled mobile communication device 110 or a differentantennae connected to the processing chip 210. Alternatively, aprocessing chip 210 is incorporated as part of the circuitry of a mobilecommunication device 110 or the processing chip 210 may be separate butconnected to the mobile communication device 110 for communicationspurposes. In still another use, the smartlink device is coupled to amobile communication device 110 port, where the port permitscommunication with the mobile communication device 110. Further, theport is at least partially within the housing of the mobilecommunication device 110. For example, the port is a “spring board” in aHandspring device.

Alternatively, the processing chip 210 is disposed in a non-cellularcommunication device (“NECK device”), i.e., device that does not have acellular connection. Alternatively, the NECK device operates differentlyfrom the operation of the exemplary use described with reference toFIGS. 4,5 in that in this aspect, the secure transfer program does notreceive a transaction confirmation signal from the user's or seller'sbank. The NECK device provides financial transaction information to thePOS device 420 through NFC reader 410, and the POS device 420 initiatesthe conventional back-end processing of financial transactions. The POSdevice may provide a transaction confirmation signal to the NECK devicewhen the transaction is successful. The operation of the confirmationprocess would be similar to that as described with reference to FIG. 5,however, the NECK device would not receive a signal (e.g., an SMSsignal) providing a receipt for the transaction (Segment S511).

FIG. 6 depicts a cut away view of a smartlink module. As seen in FIG. 6,similar to smartlink 100, smartlink module 600 includes processing chip210, antennas 250, 260, communication connection pins 240 and mountingclips 230 in a housing 270.

Smartlink module 600 includes a translation circuit 685. Translationcircuit 685 facilitates communication between a mobile communicationdevice 110 and processor chip 210. The translation circuit 685 is a corelogic circuit Although off-the-shelf core circuit can be used, ASICs canalso be utilized. With the use of the translation circuit 685, themobile communication device 100 can write data to and read data from thesmartlink module 600. In the use described above, a user's personal datais stored in the smartlink module 100. In this use, the secure transferprogram of the mobile communication device 110 provides data to thesmartlink module 600. The secure transfer program of the mobilecommunication device 110 reads data from the smartlink module 600. In apreferable use of this embodiment, the mobile communication device 110provides a user's personal information to the smartlink module 600shortly before it is needed for use, i.e., before the smartlink module600 provides the information. Preferably, shortly after the personalinformation is provided, the information is removed, e.g., deleted, fromthe smartlink module. Since a user's personal information is onlytemporarily stored in the smartlink module 600, the user's personalinformation is more securely stored by remaining most of the time onlyin the mobile communication device 110. Additionally, since a user'sdata is only temporarily maintained in the smartlink module 600, theneed to securely maintain the smartlink module 600 is decreased.Therefore, the smartlink module 600 need not always have its contactlessmode be disabled to provide additional safeguards for a user'sinformation.

Additionally, since the secure transfer program can write selectedinformation to the smartlink module 600, the secure transfer programand/or the user can choose what information is provided to the smartlinkmodule 600. For example, for a financial transaction, a user may haveseveral different financial accounts that he has stored information inthe mobile communication device 110. Therefore, when making a purchase,he may choose which financial account he would prefer to make hispayment with, e.g., American Express or VISA. Additionally, in theinitialization process, which is similar to that described above withreference to a previous use, the smartlink module 600 is not coded witha user's account information.

As part of the operation of the mobile communication device coupled withthe smartlink module 600, the processing chip 600 is in conformance withthe ISO standards which does not permit a Smartcard chip to operate inboth contactless mode and contact mode at the same time. Consequently,to transfer information from the mobile communication device to thesmartlink module 600, when the smartlink module 600 is in contact mode,the secure transfer program provides information to the smartlink module600. After the secure transfer program provides a signal to thesmartlink module 600 enabling the smartlink module 600 to operate incontactless mode, the information recently provided by the securetransfer program is able to be read by a third party NFC reader (ifwithin appropriate proximity.)

FIG. 7 illustrates operation of a point of sale transaction. Once themobile communication device 110 has been initialized for use with thesmartlink module 600, a secure transfer program resides on the mobilecommunication device 110. When the mobile communication device 110 isactivated, the secure transfer program runs in the background of themobile communication device 110 processes. When the program is runningin the background it is transparent to the user. The secure transferprogram runs in a “passive” mode and waits for an activation signal.After receiving a signal from a device 410 the smartlink module 600provides a signal to the secure transfer program indicating that a NFCdevice is seeking to initiate communications. Alternatively, the securetransfer program may receive an activation signal from the mobilecommunication device (e.g., by the user entering a key sequent on themobile communication device). When the secure transfer program receivesthe appropriate signal it becomes active and runs in mobilecommunication device 110 as a the foreground processes.

In segment S700, the secure transfer program awaits a signal from adevice 410 or from the mobile communication device as initiated by theuser. The precursor steps are that the customer begins to purchase goodsin a conventional manner. The goods are processed by the sales person attheir register. When the processing of goods is complete, e.g., all thegoods have been scanned, the items are totaled. The sales person thenprompts the user for the method of payment. The process continues tosegment S701.

In segment S701, the mobile communication device 110 with the coupledsmartlink module 600 is placed near the device 410. The device 410transmits a signal that can be received and recognized by the mobilecommunication device 110 and smartlink module 600 combination. Thetransmitted signal may be, for example, the total purchase price of thegoods. The process continues to segment S702.

In segment S702, the secure transfer program awaits a signal from thedevice 410. When a signal is received from the device 410, then theprocess continues to segment S703.

In segment S703, the secure transfer program recognizes the signal fromthe device 410 and sends a handshaking signal back to the device 410.The device 410 then sends a signal to the secure transfer program foradditional information. For example, the signal may indicate thepurchase price and then the mobile communication device 110 displays thepurchase price of the goods. The secure transfer program then promptsthe user to see if the user agrees with the purchase price. The processcontinues to segment S704. Alternatively, in some cases, all the POS cando is simply send a command to the smartlink to give it information andthat it is a proper and certified POS and then receive the encrypted orunencrypted information.

In segment S704, the secure transfer program requests additionalinformation from the user. If the user agrees to the purchase price asdisplayed by the register of the seller, the secure transfer programrequests the user input her/his unique PIN number. If the user agreesand enters the appropriate PIN number, then the secure transfer programextracts the secure financial data information, e.g., the credit cardnumber and associated transaction information that is stored in themobile communication device 110 or on the smartlink module 600. Ineither process, the mobile communication device 110 can prevent thesmartlink module 600 from communicating or sending information. Thesecure transfer program accesses the user's information and provides itto the processing chip 210 of the smartlink module 600. The securetransfer program enables contactless operating mode and the processingchip 210 converts that information received from the secure transferprogram into a radio frequency and transmits it through its associatedantennae (one of 250, 260). The user's secure financial data informationstored in the mobile communication device 110 is not provided without avalid PIN number. The mobile communication device 110 and smartlinkmodule 600 provide the user's secure financial data information to thedevice 410. The process continues to segment S705.

In segment S705, data is received from the mobile communication device110 and smartlink module 600 by the device 410. The device 410 providesthe user's financial data information to the POS device 420 and thetransaction approval continues in a conventional manner. The processcontinues to segment S706.

In segment S706, if the transaction has been approved by the seller'sfinancial institution, the POS system sends a signal to the smartlinkmodule 600 requesting confirmation. The smartlink module 600 receivesthe signal from the POS system, converts it from a radio signal to adigital signal, and provides that signal to the mobile communicationdevice 110. Assuming that the secure transfer program received theconverted signal, the user is then requested to confirm the amount ofpurchase in the user interface of the mobile communication device 110.In an other aspect, the user taps-places the NFC enabled mobilecommunication device within the proximity of a NFC device close enoughto permit the exchange of information between the mobile communicationdevice and the NFC device—the mobile communication device and thatcompletes the process. The process continues to segment S707.

In segment S707, the user is prompted to agree and confirm the purchaseon mobile communication device 110. If the user agrees, then the processcontinues to segment S709. If the user does not agree, the processcontinues to segment S708.

In segment S708 the user has declined the purchase, and the order iscancelled. The process continues to segment S712.

In segment S709, the user has accepted the purchase. The processcontinues to segment S710.

In segment S710, the secure transfer program receives a digital receiptfrom device 410 that is stored in the mobile communication device 110.In another aspect, the seller's financial institution sends an SMS tothe mobile communication device 110 providing a digital receipt. In yetanother aspect, the user receives a paper receipt from the sales person.Alternatively, the user can pre-define the option where a digitalreceipt is sent via email to an email account of the user, with thepossibility of automatically synchronizing the information with anystandard accounting software. In another aspect of this embodiment, theseller's financial institution server 450 communicates with the user'sfinancial institution server 470, and the user's financial institutionserver 470 sends an SMS to the mobile communication device 110. Thefinancial institution or credit card company or some other third party,whoever is doing the transaction in the back end, and/or the seller, hasthe ability to send a confirmation message, generally in the form of adigital receipt.

In segment S712, the transaction is complete and the secure transferprogram becomes a passive background process. Alternatively, the securetransfer program shuts off and waits for the user to activate thesmartlink via the mobile communication device to begin communicationswith the reader.

Thus, at the end of the exemplary process 700 depicted in FIG. 7, a userhas more securely provided his personal information needed for afinancial transaction by only having the information stored in thesmartlink module for a short period of time, thereby minimizing theamount of time that a NFC reader other than the intended reader canaccess the information stored on the smartlink module.

Alternatively, a processing chip 210 (as shown in FIG. 6), and antennae250, 260 of a smartlink are located within the housing of a mobilecommunication device. In this enablement, the antennae of the smartlinkmay be fully or partially within the housing of the mobile communicationdevice. The antennae of the smartlink module 600 may also be theantennae of the phone or different antennae connected to the processingchip 210. This use differs from the prior use in that the chipset of thesmartlink module 600 is incorporated as part of the circuitry of themobile communication device or is separate but connected to the mobilecommunication device for communications purposes. For example, thechipset is coupled to the mobile communication device circuit board.Further, an antenna of the smartlink is coupled to the mobilecommunication device circuit board and is used for the smartlinktransactions. In another aspect, the smartlink device is coupled to amobile communication device port, where the port permits communicationwith the mobile communication device. Further, the port is at leastpartially within the housing of the mobile communication device. Forexample, the port is the spring board in a Handspring device.

Alternatively, a mobile communication device 800 performs thefunctionality of a smartlink module (as described above in reference toeither smartlink module 100 or 600), whereby the mobile communicationdevice 800 can function as a radio reader providing and receiving radiosignals. In exemplary system, the radio signals provided by the mobilecommunication device 800 are NFC compatible signals. FIG. 8 depicts apartial cut-away view of a mobile communication device 800. The mobilecommunication device 800 includes a radio conversion circuit 810 andantennae 850, 860.

The conversion circuit 810 is electronically coupled to a communicationbus or processor of the mobile communication device 800 throughcommunication paths 812. Radio conversion circuit 810 convertselectronic signals received on communication paths 812 to radiofrequencies that it provides on one or both of antennae 850, 860. Radioconversion circuit 810 converts radio frequencies received on one orboth of antennae 850, 860 to electronic signals provided oncommunication paths 812. The two communications paths 812 shown areintended to be representative of any number of communications pathsappropriate to exchange electronic signals between the conversioncircuit 810 and other part of the mobile communication device 800 (e.g.,a data path or processor). Although shown with the conversion circuit810 coupled to antennae 850, 860, the conversion circuit is coupled toand utilizes the antennae 817 of the mobile communication device 800 andone or both of the antennae may be eliminated. The antennae 850, 860 aretuned to provide signals compatible with the smartcard.

Unlike the smartlink modules 100, 600 described in reference to FIGS. 1and 6, the mobile communication device 800 does not follow conventionalNFC communication standards requiring that the a device operating in oneof either contact or contactless mode at a time (e.g., ISO standards7816 and 14443). The mobile communication device 800 operates as a NFCreader eliminating the process of switching between contact andcontactless operation modes. In an aspect, the mobile communicationdevice 800 does not need to switch between contact and contactlessoperation.

In another aspect, as seen in FIG. 9, a smartlink capable device 900(i.e., this can be any device described above with reference to FIGS.1-8, including the mobile communication device 110 and smartlink module100, the mobile communication device 110 and the smartlink module 600 orthe mobile communication device 800) is depicted as a digital cashregister which provides communication to the financial institutions ofboth the user and the other party. This exemplary apparatus differs fromthe previous apparatus in that with reference to FIG. 1-8 the POS device420 communicates with the seller's financial institution server 450 toprocess the transaction and determine whether the transaction wasapproved. In this embodiment, the smartlink capable device 900communicates with the user's and the seller's financial institutionserver 470, 450 to process the transaction and determine whether thetransaction was approved. Further, the POS device 520 communicates tothe seller's financial institution server 450 through the user'ssmartlink capable device 900 combination device. The POS device 520 issimilar to a conventional point of sale device; however it uses thesmartlink capable device to provide communication to the seller'sfinancial institution server 450 to attain approval which issubsequently provided to the seller's POS device. The seller's POSsystem may later communicate with the seller's financial institution.

In another aspect the seller's POS may have limited communication andafter the user's smartlink capable device provides the transactioninformation and the transaction is approved, the seller's POS receives adigital signal from the seller's financial institution indicating thatthe transaction is approved. The digital signal may be in the form of anSMS.

The signal to contact the seller's financial institution is transmittedby the user's smartlink capable device at substantially the same timethe smartlink capable device 900 transmits a signal to contact theuser's financial institution server 470. For example, both the seller'sand the user's financial institutions 450, 470 are contacted, where thesignal 454 to contact the seller's financial institution server 470 is“piggy-backed” to the signal to contact the user's financial institutionserver 450.

The POS device 520 contains a contactless relay circuit 525, e.g., acontactless NFC reader/writer, that receives and transmits wirelesssignals in substantially the same frequency as conventional NFC systems.The relay circuit 525 transmits a sales request signal requestingpayment. In a preferred embodiment, the sales request signal from therelay circuit 525 includes transactional information, e.g., the cost ofthe transaction, the identification of the payee of the salestransaction, e.g., the seller, and additional identifying information ofthe sales device 520. The relay circuit 525 may receive a sales statussignal indicating the payment has been made. The relay circuit 525 mayalso receive a sales status signal indicating the payment has beendenied. The relay circuit 525 continuously transmits the sales requestsignal. Alternatively, the relay circuit 525 can be activated by theuser pressing an activation button or requesting a specific item on thevending machine. In response, the vending machine will request a form ofpayment, transmit a sales request signal, and begin to look for a signalfrom a smartlink or the user's smartlink capable device 900. Further,the relay circuit 525 continuously checks if a sales status signal hasbeen transmitted by a smartlink capable device 900. As indicated above,since a contactless smartlink communication system typically has a shortcommunication range, in order to effectively communicate betweensmartlink capable device 900 and a relay circuit 525, the smartlinkcapable device 900 and the relay 525 are placed in close proximity.

The smartlink capable device 900 receives the sales request informationsignal from the relay circuit 525. The smartlink capable device 900queries the user whether they are interested in conducting thetransaction. If the user is interested, then the user enters his/her PINnumber indicating agreement.

Using the identification of the payee received from the relay circuit525 as part of the sales request signal, the smartlink capable device900 contacts the user's financial institution, and sends a signalrequesting funds be transferred to the payee in the amount of the costof the transaction. For example, if cash is the tender, then cash istransferred from the user's bank to the payee's financial institution,where the payee's financial institution is identifiable as part of theidentification of the payee of the sales transaction. The user haspreviously established at least one financial institution, and relevantaccount information, to be used for the transfer of funds. If more thanone financial institution has been established, then the user determineseither before or during a transaction, which financial institution willserve as the user's source of payment. When the transfer of funds hasbeen successfully completed from the user's bank to the payee'sfinancial institution, the user's bank provides a signal to the user'ssmartlink capable device 900 indicating that transfer payment has beenmade.

The smartlink capable device 900 also communicates with the financialinstitution of the payee. Similar to communicating with the user'sfinancial institution, the smartlink capable device 900 uses payeeinformation (e.g., payee identification, identification of payee'sfinancial institution) received from the sales device and initiatescommunication with the payee's financial institution. The smartlinkcapable device 900 combination device provides communication to both theuser's and the payee's financial institution and therefore provides theidentifying address of two financial institutions to the smartlinkcapable device 900's wireless communication server. Although describedwith reference to communicating with two financial institutions, thenumber of financial institutions that the smartlink capable device 900can communicate with depends on the implementation and can vary. Thisinformation may also be provided to a third party or a third partyserver (which may use the transaction information for other purposes,e.g., or marketing information, or to schedule supply or repairinformation).

When the payee's financial institution receives the appropriate amountof funds from the user's financial institution, the payee's financialinstitution provides a signal to the user's smartlink capable device 900indicating that the appropriate funds have been received and provide asignal indicating the approval of the sales transaction. The smartlinkcapable device 900 provides a sales status signal to the relay circuit525 of the sales device indicating that payment has been successfullymade and been approved. Therefore, a smartlink capable device 900requests the back end processing for the POS device and the POS devicereceives a signal from the smartlink capable device 900 indicating thatthe sales transaction has been approved by the POS's financialinstitution.

For example, a wireless relay circuit 525 is incorporated as part of apayment system of a soda machine, where the payment for the purchase ofsoda is done electronically (as opposed to conventional soda machineswhere payment is done with the use of coins and bills and the paymentsystem is receives money, provides change and enables a purchase). Theuser activates a secure transfer program on his smartlink capable device900 and places the smartlink capable device 900 in close proximity tothe relay circuit 525 of the soda machine The relay circuit is part ofthe soda machine's payment mechanism (which in conventional applicationsprocesses coins and bills). The smartlink capable device 900 receives asales request signal from the relay circuit 525 in the soda machine. Thesmartlink capable device 900 displays the cost of the transaction andqueries the user for approval or simply displays the transaction and maynot state the amount, just the transaction. Assuming the user continuesto be interested in a soda, the user enters his PIN number into thesmartlink capable device 900. The smartlink capable device 900communicates with the user's financial institution to transfer money forsoda to the payee's (e.g., the owner of the soda machine) financialinstitution. When the transfer of funds from the user's financialinstitution to the payee's financial institution is complete, the user'sfinancial institution signals the user's smartlink capable device 900that the transaction has been successful. Confirmation of the transfermay also be sent to the user via an SMS. After the user's smartlinkcapable device 900 receives a signal confirming the transfer of finds,the smartlink capable device 900 provides the sales status signal to therelay circuit 525 in the soda machine. In a preferred embodiment, thesales status signal is a digital token that allows a purchase for aspecific amount of money. Generally, the amount of money will bepredefined. After the relay circuit 525 receives the sales status signalconfirming the transfer of funds, the relay circuit 525 of the sodamachine enables the user to select a soda which will then be provided tohim. In other aspects, the soda machine may have different prices foreach soda.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart indicating a method of use in a vendingmachine context. The process 1000 proceeds as follows:

In segment S1000, the secure transfer program runs as a backgroundprocess in a mobile communication device waiting for activation. Theprecursor steps are that the customer interested in purchasing an itemfrom a vending machine approaches the machine.

In segment S1001, the user's smartlink capable device 900 is placed nearthe device 525. The device 525 transmits a signal that can be receivedand recognized by the smartlink capable device 900. The transmittedsignal may be, for example, the unique identifying information of thevending machine. This information may also include identification of acomputer network/server associated with the vending machine.

In segment S1002, the secure transfer program awaits a signal from thedevice 410. When a signal is received from the device 410, then theprocess continues to segment S1003.

In segment S1003, the secure transfer program recognizes the signal fromthe device 410 and sends a handshake signal back to the device 410 as isconventionally known. The device 410 then sends a signal to the securetransfer program of the smartlink capable device 900 for additionalinformation. For example, the signal may indicate the purchase priceupon which the smartlink capable device 900 displays the purchase priceof the goods. The secure transfer program then prompts the user to seeif the user agrees with the purchase price.

In segment S1004, the secure transfer program of the smartlink capabledevice 900 requests additional information from the user. If the useragrees to the purchase price, the secure transfer program requests theuser input her/his unique PIN number. If the user agrees and enters theappropriate PIN number, then the secure transfer program extracts thesecure financial data information, e.g., the credit card number andassociated transaction information that is stored in the smartlinkcapable device 900. The secure transfer program, using the user'spersonal information, establishes communication with the user'sfinancial institution and requests the transfer of funds. Once therequest is complete and accepted, process continues to segment S1005.

In segment S1005, the secure transfer program, using the informationreceived from the vending machine, communicates with the seller'sfinancial institution to receive confirmation or approval of the sale.In segment S1006, if the transaction has been approved by the seller'sfinancial institution, the seller's financial institution then sends asignal to the secure transfer program. In segment S1007, the user isprompted to place the smartlink capable device 900 near the vendingmachine and within communication range of the relay circuit 525.

In segment S1008, the secure transfer program of the smartlink capabledevice 900 enables a signal to the vending machine to the relay circuit525 of the vending machine 520. This signal may include the approvedpurchase price and may also include a security encoding or confirmationto reduce the vending machine receiving illegitimate confirmationsignals. In segment S1009, the vending machine receives the signal fromthe smartlink capable device 900 approving the transaction and permitsthe purchase. In segment S010, the transaction is complete and thesecure transfer program awaits another signal from a device 410 toindicate commencing another transaction. Thus, at the completion of theprocess 1000, the user has purchased an item from a vending machine.

FIG. 11 shows a smartlink capable device 900 used in a transactionaccording to another embodiment. The operation of the smartlink capabledevice 900 combination described with reference to FIG. 11 differs fromthe operation of the smartlink capable device 900 of FIG. 10 in that thesmartlink capable device 900 communicates with and conducts a financialtransaction with a second, e.g., a third party's, smartlink capabledevice 900. Similar to the FIG. 10 operation, the first smartlinkcapable device 900 is responsible for initiating communications to theuser's and third party's financial institution. The process 1200 wouldproceed in the following steps (as show in FIG. 12):

In segment S1200, the secure transfer program runs as a backgroundprocess in a smartlink capable device 900 waiting for activation. Insegment S1201, the user's smartlink capable device 900 is placed nearthe other person's smartlink capable device 900. The other person'ssmartlink capable device 900 transmits a signal that can be received andrecognized by the user's smartlink capable device 900. In one aspect asecure transfer program of each party of each party must be initiated bythe respective party and automatically controls the transaction. Inanother aspect, each party initiates the secure transfer program anddesignates information necessary to the transaction (e.g., who is thesender, receiver, amount, etc.). The transmitted signal may be, forexample, the unique identifying information of the other person'sfinancial institution. This information may also include identificationof a computer network/server associated with the other person'sfinancial institution.

In segment S1202, the secure transfer program of the user's smartlinkcapable device 900 awaits a signal from the other person's smartlinkcapable device 900. When a signal is received from the other person'ssmartlink capable device 900, the process continues to segment S1203.

In segment S1203, the secure transfer program recognizes the signal fromthe other person's smartlink capable device 900 and sends a handshakingsignal back to the device 410. The device 410 then sends a signal to thesecure transfer program for additional information. For example, thesignal may indicate the transfer amount (e.g., currency and value) andwhether the funds are to be sent or received. The user's mobilecommunication device 110 displays the transfer amount. The securetransfer program then prompts the user to see if the user agrees withthe transfer amount. The process continues to segment S1204.

In segment S1204, the secure transfer program requests additionalinformation from the user. If the user agrees to the transfer amount asdisplayed on the mobile communication device 110, the secure transferprogram requests the user input her/his unique PIN number. If the useragrees and enters the appropriate PIN number, then the secure transferprogram extracts the secure financial data information, e.g., the creditcard number or debit card number, etc and associated transactioninformation that is stored in the mobile communication device 110. Thesecure transfer program, using the user's personal information,establishes communication with the user's financial institution andrequests the transfer of funds. Once the request is complete andaccepted, process continues to segment S1205.

In segment S1205, the secure transfer program, using the informationreceived from the other person's mobile communication device 110,communicates with the other person's financial institution to receiveconfirmation or approval of the transfer.

In segment S1206, if the transaction has been approved by the otherperson's financial institution FIG. 4, the other person's financialinstitution sends a signal to the secure transfer program.

In segment S1207, the user is prompted to place the smartlink capabledevice 900 near the other person's smartlink capable device 900 andwithin communication range of each respective smartlink capable device900.

In segment S1208, the secure transfer program transmits a signal to theother person's smartlink capable device 900 through the smartlink 110.This signal may include the approved transfer amount and may alsoinclude a security encoding or confirmation. In segment S1209, thetransaction is complete and the secure transfer program awaits anothersignal from a device 410 to indicate commencing another transaction.

Thus at the completion of the process, information (money) istransferred from one party to another party.

FIG. 13 depicts a further use of the smartlink capable device 900device. This use differs from the use described with reference to FIG.11 in that in this aspect each smartlink 110 and mobile communicationdevice 100 combination device uses its respective wireless carrier tocommunicate with its respective financial institution, 470, 450.

The methods and devices and device combinations provided can be appliedto a variety of applications where increased security is sought for datatransfer.

In an exemplary use, secure data transfer is used in a Point of Saletransaction. Upon initiating point of sale, the user will be prompted bya secure transfer program of their mobile communication device to entertheir PIN number and press ok. When the user puts in the PIN number, theuser is then instructed to tap the mobile communication device to thereader of the seller. The user will have a defined period of time beforethe mobile communication device defaults back into normal security modeand restricts any information of the user to be read. Once the user hastapped the mobile communication device and given the reader itsinformation, the normal credit card processing begins. At the end of theprocessing, the user will receive an SMS or Email receipt onto theirmobile communication device to confirm the transaction which will havedetails such as time, date, amount, store, etc. In another aspect, thesecure transfer program is automatically activated when the user tapsthe mobile communication device to the reader. The secure transferprogram will automatically recognize that this is a point of saletransaction and initiate the point of sale sub-application.

In an exemplary use, secure data transfer is used in a vending machinetransaction. The user has the option of purchasing an item from thevending machine by either using cash money or smartlink. For example,the user will activate the secure transfer program on his mobilecommunications device and select the sub-application Vending Machine.Once the Vending Machine is selected, the user will be instructed to tapmobile communication device to the reader, which is on the vendingmachine. The mobile communication device will then receive the vendingmachine's ID, bank information and marketing and servicing data such asthe current amount of items sold and the vending machine's temperature.After smartlink receives this data, the user will be instructed to enterthe amount they wish to purchase, then pressing ok, then enter their PINnumber and press OK. Smartlink will then send back a signal via theInternet. Since the user and vending machine's financial institutionwill be communicating with each other and with the phone, the user'smobile communication device will receive an SMS receipt to confirmcompletion of transaction, which will include the amount purchased,vending machine's ID, date and time of the transaction. The method ofusing includes a user: selecting Vending Machine application from theSecure Transfer Program of the user's mobile communication device;tapping the mobile communication device on reader; entering the amountto purchase and pressing Ok; entering the amount and PIN number andpressing OK; receive authorization; and then tapping the mobilecommunication device to reader. Then the vending machine will activateand the user selects an item. The Secure Transfer program waits for aSMS receipt.

In another exemplary use, secure data transfer is used in an arcadetransaction. The Arcade Application is similar to the vending machineexample and not only gives the user the option paying the arcade throughsmartlink, but also permits uploading the user's score and position inarcade games that are played. The mobile communication device willautomatically select the Arcade Application from the secure transferprogram. Once the Arcade Application is automatically selected, the userwill enter the amount to be purchased and will press OK. The user willthen enter his/her PIN number and press OK. When the transaction isapproved, the user will tap the mobile communication device on readeragain to start playing. The user will receive an SMS receipt confirmingtransaction completion, which will include the amount purchased, arcade,date and time. Then the mobile communication device will give the optionto upload existing position. The user will press OK and tap the mobilecommunication device on reader located on the arcade, if he wishes to doso. The user will also press OK and tap the mobile communication deviceon reader to download the ending score. The phone will inform the userthat the score has been uploaded. A method of use includes the user:tapping his mobile communication device on reader located on the arcademachine and mobile communication device will automatically selectapplication; entering the amount to be purchased and pressing OK;entering PIN number and pressing OK; tapping the mobile communicationdevice on reader; waiting for an SMS receipt (where the receipt willshow transaction completion including amount, arcade, date and time oftransaction); pressing OK and tapping the mobile communication device tothe reader on arcade machine to upload information (e.g., existingposition); pressing OK and tapping mobile communication device to thereader on arcade to upload existing score. The mobile communicationdevice will inform user that the score has been uploaded on the mobilecommunication device.

In an exemplary use, secure data transfer is used in a parking metertransaction. The Parking Meter Application allows the user to pay theparking meter by using smartlink instead of cash. For example, once theuser park his car, he will activate the secure transfer program. Themobile communication device will instruct the users to tap the mobilecommunication device on the reader associated with a parking meter andthen will automatically select Parking Meter as the sub-application. Theuser will then enter his PIN number and press OK. The secure transferprogram will instruct the user to tap the mobile communication deviceagain to begin the transaction. The mobile communication device timewill start to run. Once the user returns to the car, he will select toend transaction of the secure transfer program of the mobilecommunication device. The mobile communication device timer will stopand the user will be instructed to tap the mobile communication deviceon the reader of the parking meter to complete the transaction. Thetimer will only stop for a few seconds but will start up again if theuser does not tap the mobile communication device to completetransaction. When the transaction is complete, the mobile communicationdevice will communicate with the smartlink server to carry out thefinancial transaction with the server of the parking meter. The userwill receive an SMS receipt confirming completion of transaction, whichwill include amount, parking period, parking meter, date and time. Amethod of use includes the user: selecting the secure transfer program;tapping the mobile communication device to the reader of a parking meterand the mobile communication device will automatically select parkingmeter application; entering his PIN number and pressing OK; tapping themobile communication device to parking meter to start the clock running;selecting end transaction; tapping the mobile communication device tothe reader of the parking meter to complete transaction; waiting for anSMS receipt; and receiving an SMS receipt which confirms the transactioncompletion, which will include amount, parking period, parking meter,date and time.

Another example of an application is a person to person financialexchange. Person-to-person is a method of exchanging currency in adigital mode with two smartlink enabled devices. The process is designedto mimic a paper currency transaction but in a digital and thus secureform. During the money exchange process, the users will have the optionof activating smartlink for giving or receiving money. Upon selectingthe person to person process under the secure transfer program andselecting whether they wish to send or receive money, users will beinstructed to enter the amount they wish to transfer or credit alongwith their individual pin numbers. Once users respectively enter theirpin numbers and press ok, they will be instructed to tap mobilecommunication devices. The mobile communication devices will communicatewith their respective smartlink servers to coordinate the financialtransaction between financial institutions. The users will then receivean SMS receipt confirming completion of transaction which will includethe name of the person to whom they sent or received money, the date andtime of the transaction. The method of using includes the user:selecting the person-to-person application; selecting “send” or“receive”; if the user is the sender of the funds, entering the amountto be transferred and his PIN number; if the user is the receiver of thefunds, entering pin number; pressing OK; tapping each mobilecommunication device to each other's smartlink. The financialinstitutions are contacted via the cellular link, and transactionprocessing is done between the server's of the financial institutionsand an SMS receipt is respectively received by each party confirming thetransaction.

Another exemplary use is a grocery information transaction. The GroceryInformation application provides a user with the option of findingproduct information, price comparison, and coupons by activatingsmartlink. For example, the user will activate the secure transferprogram on his mobile communication device and then select thesub-application Grocery Information. The secure transfer program willinstruct the user to tap mobile communication device on an NFC tag of aproduct. Once the mobile communication device is tapped, it will givethe user three options: Details, Comparisons, and Coupons. By selecting“Details” the user will be given product details such as manufacturinglocation and nutritional information. By selecting “Comparisons” theuser will be given price comparisons between alternative brands.Information about the product can be provided by an NFC tag directly orby using the product identifying information determined by the NFC tagand getting the information from an appropriate server. By selecting“Coupons” the user will be informed of any available coupon for thatparticular product. The coupon value can then be automatically deductedfrom the user's bill during a Point of Sale transaction. A method of usewould include the user: selecting grocery information; tapping themobile communication device on the NFC tag; selecting among severaloptions: Details (Options 1), Comparisons (Option 2), and Coupons(Option 3). Depending on the option, the secure transfer program willinform user of: product details such as manufacturing and nutritionalinformation; price comparisons between products (e.g., chosen and otheralternative brands), or will inform of any available coupon for thatproduct, which will be automatically discounted during the Point of Saleprocess, respectively.

Digital Coupon are another example of a use. The Digital Coupontransaction allows a person to find any available coupons for aparticular store and to use it towards their purchase or define specificcoupons at that store for that specific individual. Upon entering thestore, a user will be able to use smartlink to verify the existence ofcoupons for that particular store. For example, the user will theactivate secure transfer program and select the sub-application “DigitalCoupon.” The user will be instructed to tap the mobile communicationdevice to a reader of the store and the mobile communication device willinform the user of any particular coupon for that store. Once thepurchase is made and the Point of Sale process initiated, discount canwill be taken automatically for a transaction.

In yet another exemplary use is for purchasing products at home (e.g.,grocery purchases). The Home Grocery Buying Application allows a user topurchase an item from home through the smartlink system. For example,the user will activate secure transfer program and select thesub-application Home Grocery Buying. The mobile communication devicewill instruct the user to Tap Phone on NFC Tag of the selected productthat is sought to be purchased. The mobile communication device willfurther instruct the user to press OK to complete transaction or topress Next to purchase another product as well. Once all products areready to be purchased, mobile communication device will give the user anoption to have purchase delivered to the user's address or pickup itemsat store. The user will then enter a PIN number and press OK. The mobilecommunication program will inform the user of a location or store thatcan service the user and may be provided a choice of stores. The userwill select the store they want to purchase the items from. Thesmartlink server will communicate with the server of the selected storeand the user will receive a SMS receipt upon transaction completion,which will include amount purchased, store, date and time. A method ofuse includes a user: selecting Grocery Information Application;selecting the Home Purchase option; tapping a mobile communicationdevice to a product; pressing OK to complete transaction or next (topurchase another product); selecting an option to complete transaction;pressing OK to have purchase delivered to the user's address or topickup; entering his PIN number and pressing OK; selecting a store toservice the order (e.g., among three nearest locations); waiting for anSMS receipt. The user receives an SMS receipt confirming transactioncompletion information including amount, store, date and time.

In an exemplary use of the invention includes Virtual In-Store Ordering,as seen for FIG. 17. A user places a mobile communication device havingnear field communications capability near an NFC tag, e.g., an RFID tag,of a product and the mobile communication device reads and interpretsinformation from the NFC tag and the mobile communication deviceperforms an action in an appropriate manner depending on the kind ofinformation. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile communication deviceuses information associated with the product received from the NFC tag:to provide this information to the user, to request information aboutthe product from a remote location, e.g., a web site, to requestadditional information about the product, and to order the product forpurchase. For example, when a user taps a mobile communication devicehaving NFC capabilities on an NFC tag of a product, the mobilecommunication device receives and interprets information from the NFCtag associated the product. The information also contains instructionson how to order the product from a ‘default’ retailer, which, in anaspect, is the retailer where the user and product are located. Theinstructions are processed by the mobile communications deviceautomatically or manually, requiring some input from the user of themobile communications device. Thus, a mobile communication device willstep a user through an ordering process for a product. A program to stepthe user through the ordering process resides on the mobilecommunication device. Alternatively, the program resides on anotherserver or computer system and user's mobile communication deviceprovides input to and receives out from that server and, in turn,prompts the user for input and provides output to the user. For example,the mobile communication device using its input/output capabilities:confirms that the user is interested in purchasing the product, how manyof the products the user wants, as well as payment and shippinginformation. In an aspect, the instructions from the NFC tag of aproduct, also includes information regarding different retailers thatcarry the product, which provides the user the opportunity to select aparticular retailer to purchase the product from. The user's selectionof a retailer can be driven by a current user preference, for example,price, location, availability, reputation, but the user's selection of aretailer is not so limited. Using information about the desired ordefault retailer, the mobile communication device communicates with aserver associated with the information provided by the product andcauses an order to be placed with the server for the product. The serverperforms back-end processing and processes the order and paymentinformation. And upon confirmation of payment, the server processes theshipping of the product to the user. In an aspect, the mobilecommunication device uses the information regarding the product acquiredfrom the NFC tag combined with user's information to process thepurchase order. The user's information, such as bank or paymentinformation, user's home, billing, and delivery addresses, is previouslystored in a storage area of the mobile communication device orcontemporaneously entered with product ordering using the NFC taginformation by the user into the mobile communication device. In anotheraspect, the user's information is stored in a server that processes, oris associated with the server processing, the order in lieu of, or inaddition to, user's information stored in the mobile communicationsdevice. Preferably, the mobile communication device uses its dataconnection to the Internet to communicate to a server, which is used totransfer the user's information to the server processing the order. Theserver than connects to the retailer's website and processes the order.In an exemplary use of virtual in store ordering in a store, as depictedin FIG. 17, an NFC tag 1701 located on a product is read by a customer'smobile communication device 1702 having NFC capability. The mobilecommunication device 1702 communicates through its cellular tower system1703 to its cellular server 1704. The cellular server 1704 communicateswith the business server 1705 which processes the purchase of theproduct identified by the NFC tag and the business server 1705 causesthe warehouse 1706 to ship 1707 the product to the customer.

Upon completion of the successful processing of the order, theretailer's site or the middle server then sends an electronicconfirmation of the purchase via direct connect message, SMS, or othermeans, to the user's mobile communication device or other location asdesignated by the user. This aspect of the invention allows consumers anincreased buyer awareness, including, but not limited to, learning ofproduct alternatives or substitutes, continuity products

In another aspect, by a user placing a mobile communication device closeto an NFC tag of a product and receiving information from the NFC tag,the information is data conveyed to a user through the mobilecommunication device, where the data provides a user information aboutthe product. For example, the product information is technicalspecifications, operating instructions, general summary of productfeatures, detailed description of product, warnings or cautions, orintended use. In another aspect, the mobile communication device usesthe information from the NFC tag which describes a location ofadditional information, e.g., an Internet URL, and the mobilecommunication device retrieves information from the website associatedwith the URL that the mobile communication device and conveys thatinformation to the user through a display of the mobile communicationdevice.

Thus, a user using a mobile communication device capable of near fieldcommunication can read an NFC tag associated with a product whichenables a user to purchase the product, learn more about the product, orget special deals about the product, etc. which can enhance the user'sshopping experience. Additionally, a retailer or his agent can utilizethe user's information to provide to the user product coupons andpromotions. In another aspect, rather than using an NFC tag, a userenters on the mobile communications device, a unique productidentification code for the product, e.g., a UPC code. Using this codethe mobile communication device connects to system defined server tolook up production information and/or retailer information for theproduct and down loads that information to the mobile communicationsdevice. An advantage of using the Virtual In-Store Ordering is that auser can purchase an item or acquire information about an item fromalmost any location. A retailer having a storefront using virtual instore ordering may be able to reduce the requirement for onsiteinventory by being able to apply for the delivery of the item based onthe user's order and purchase.

In an exemplary use, Medical chart/information use confirmation processoccurs. The Medical Charts Application will allow user to digitallytransfer insurance and/or medical information during a visit to thedoctor. For example, a user will activate his secure transfer program onhis NFC capable device (e.g., NFC capable device 900) upon reaching thefront desk of the doctor's office. The doctor's office computer executesa program that connects the doctor's office computer to a third partyserver, e.g., a medical records server or insurance company server.(e.g., the program may be a web application that the Doctor's office hasaccessed through the Internet.) The user will tap the NFC capable deviceon a NFC reader connected to the doctor's medical office. The securetransfer program will receive a signal from the NFC reader and determinethe context (e.g., medical office) and automatically select the MedicalRecords option. In response to being prompted, the user will enter hisPIN number into his NFC capable device which will provide access to theuser's personal information stored in the NFC capable device. The userwill tap the smart capable device again thereby transferring hispersonal information (e.g., name, social security number and informationaccess certificate) to the reader. The NFC reader provides the user'spersonal information to the doctor's office computer. The doctor'soffice computer, through its connection to the third party server,provides the user's personal information and identifying information ofthe doctor's office (e.g., name and IP address) to the third partyserver. The third party server compares the user's information withinformation stored within the third party server, and if the user'srecords are a part of the third party server's records, then the thirdparty server sends a confirmation signal back to the doctor's officethrough the internet and sends by cellular communication a confirmationsignal to the user. The doctor's office now has electronic access to theuser's medical records stored electronically at the third party server.The third party server will send, preferably by cellular communication,a signal to the user each time the doctor's office accesses the user'srecords. The user can also utilize his NFC capable device to prevent thedoctor's office from having any further access to the user's records. Inthis manner, the user can monitor and control the doctor's office accessto the records. An example of a method of using this aspect of thisaspect of the invention is seen in FIG. 14. The process 1400 wouldproceed in the following steps:

In segment S1400, the secure transfer program runs as a process in amobile communication device as a background process.

In segment S1401, the user taps his NFC capable device on to the device710.

In segment S1402, the secure transfer program awaits a signal from thedevice 710. The transmitted signal may be, for example, the uniqueidentifying information of the medical office. This information may alsoinclude identification of a computer network/server associated with themedical office. When a signal is received from the device 710, then theprocess continues to segment S1403.

In segment S1403, the secure transfer program determines the type ofsignal from the device 710 and selects the Medical Records Option. Thesecure transfer program prompts the user to confirm whether the useragrees with the medical office having access to that information (foraccess to the user's medical records).

In segment S1404, the secure transfer program requests additionalinformation from the user. If the user agrees to the medical office'saccess to the user's information, the user enters his PIN number.

In segment S1406, the user taps the NFC capable device to the Doctor'soffice reader, thereby providing his personal information to the reader.

In segment S1408, the reader provides the personal information to theDoctor's office computer server, which in turns provides thisinformation to the third party server (e.g., the medical server).

In segment S1410, the third party server compares the user's informationthat is provided with the stored information of the user. If informationagrees then the third party server sends a confirmation signal to theDoctor's office server confirming access to the user's medical records.The third party server also sends a confirmation signal to the user.

In segment S1412, the secure transfer program returns to executing as abackground process.

Thus, the doctor's office is enabled to access the user's medicalrecords at the third party server.

In another exemplary use of the present invention, a prescriptionprocess is provided. The Prescription Application offers the user acouple of options after the prescription is purchased, such as remindingthe user to take a pill and providing the user with a refill option. Theuser activates the secure transfer program and the mobile communicationdevice will instruct the user to tap mobile communication device onprescription label containing the NFC Tag. The mobile communicationdevice will then automatically select the Prescription Application. Oncethe Prescription Application is automatically selected, the mobilecommunication device will give the user the option of selecting aschedule for a reminder to remind him/her to take his/her medication(e.g., an alarm clock, the user is reminded in the morning to take apill.) The application can include a reminder for refilling theprescription. By using the refill reminder feature, the user can requestthat he be reminded a certain time period, a desired number of times,and certain times of the day before the prescription should expire. Forexample, one day before the user's pill supply is about to be depletedcompletely, the mobile communication device will ask the user if he/shewould like to refill prescription. If the answer is yes, then the mobilecommunication device will order a prescription refill.

At that point, the secure transfer program communicates through itcellular capability with the user's pharmacy (e.g., the computer systemof the user) to place an order for a refill of the prescription. Theuser will then receive a confirmation that the refill is beingprocessed. An SMS will then give the order and pick up informationindicating when the prescription is read for pickup. A method of use mayinclude the user selecting the secure transfer program to select therefill prescription option; entering yes, pressing OK and the mobilecommunication device will inform the user that a refill is beingprocessed. The user will receive an SMS receipt showing the order andpick up confirmation information. A method of use may includes a user:selecting the secure transfer program, tapping on the prescription labelcontaining the NFC tag and the sub-application prescription isautomatically selected, pressing OK to have secure transfer programremind the user of when to take a pill (based on quantity ofprescription, recommended usage, and the precise times based on thefirst use of the pill and corresponding to the first use of theprescription application). To use this reminder service, the reminder iseither an SMS from a cellular server or a reminder from an pill “alarmclock” on mobile communication device.

In the context of computer access which is secured by a smartlinksystem, when the user's logs on to a computer, the computer checks thatthe user is permitted access to the computer and determines if the useris part of a smartlink system. If the user is part of the smartlinksystem, then the computer sends a message to a smartlink serverrequesting confirmation and authentication of the user. This messageincludes the identification provided by the user. The smartlink serversends a message to the user (via SMS or digital means) requestingconfirmation of access to the computer. If user confirms and sends amessage to the smartlink server, then the smartlink server sends aconfirmation message to the computer system. When the computer systemreceives confirmation signal from the smartlink server, then the user isgranted access to the computer. Therefore, the computer does notdirectly contact the user to confirm access. The user is contactedindirectly, where the smartlink server serves as the connection betweenthe computer and the user's smartlink capable device 900.

An access control system is provided as another exemplary use of thepresent invention. Using a mobile communication device having NFC forphysical access to a facility is depicted in FIG. 20 a. In the contextof physical access to a secured area, the NFC system is used to confirmidentity. When a user attempts to enter an area secured by a NFC system,the user places his mobile communication device having NFC 2004 close tothe NFC reader 2003 as part of a door lock that is coupled to a computersystem 2002 controlling access to the secured area. After the computersystem 2002 and the user's mobile communication device having NFC 2004establishes communications, the user is prompted by the secure transferprogram to enter his PIN. The secure transfer program on the mobilecommunication device 2004 having NFC unlocks secure access informationstored within the mobile communication device 2004 having NFC andprovides that information to the computer system 2002 through the NRCreader 2003. Upon receiving and confirming the user's access informationthe computer system 2002 enables the user's access to the secure area.

In another aspect of the invention, when a user is visiting a securefacility, a secure electronic key can be received from a remote server.As depicted in FIG. 20 a, upon request, a key database 2007 can providea key to particular lock of a door having an NFC reader 2003 having NFC.In an aspect, a user requests a key to the door having an NFC reader2003 from the key database server 2007, the key database server 2007communicates with the server 2006 to provide the key. The server 2006provides the key to the mobile communication device 2004 having NFCthrough the cellular tower 2005. The mobile communication device 2004having NFC provides the key to the NFC reader of the door 2003, whichcommunicates with its server 2002 to verify the key. If the key iscorrect, then the server 2002 communicates a signal indicating that thekey is correct to the door 2003 and the door is unlocked. If the usersvisits a second facility having a locked door, the user can remotelyreceive a key from a same or different key database server 2017 to thissecond secure door 2013. In an aspect, the mobile communication device2004 having NFC is placed closed to the NFC reader 2003 of the door andacquires identification of the door/lock. The mobile communicationdevice 2004 having NFC communicates with key database server 2007requesting a key and provides the door information to the key databaseserver 2007. The key database server 2007 uses the door information toprovide the correct key to the mobile communication device 2004 havingNFC.

In an aspect, a user will have the option of using his key or smartlinkto enable the user access to ‘locked’ system, which may be a door or anyother similar scenario, including, for example, a computer. For example,the user will activate the secure transfer program and select asub-application Access Control. The user will then be instructed toenter his/her PIN number and press Ok. Once the user enters the PINnumber, the user will be instructed to tap mobile communication deviceon the reader on the door, the user's access information will beprovided and the door will open. A method of use includes the user:selecting access control option, entering his/her PIN number andpressing OK; tapping the mobile communication device on reader (which islocated on the door), and the door is enabled to open (e.g., the user ispermitted access). This process would then be repeated at a secondfacility.

In another use, a smartlink transaction is initiated by a third party.In this aspect, there are four elements of the system utilized tocomplete a transaction. A smartlink device, a smartlink server, afinancial system, and the seller's system. The smartlink device, whichin a preferred use is a cellular mobile communication device, or asimilar mobile communication device, is used by the customer to securelypurchase items from a seller at a distance. As it is known, a customerseeks to purchase items from a non-brick and mortar environment wherethe customer does not visit the seller's actual location, but insteadaccesses the seller through a form of communication system, e.g., mobilecommunication device or Internet. After shopping and selecting certainitems, the customer confirms and processes the purchases of the selecteditems from the seller from a distance by use of a communication device,coupled with smartchip similar to that described above. The seller'ssystem is the computer system maintained or operated by, or for, aseller. A financial system is a method of financial payment that iscorrelated to the user of the smartlink device. The financial system maybe, for example, a credit card, bank, or other financial institution.The seller may be, for example, a retail shop, an online store, or otherbrokerage and/or transaction broker.

In another aspect of the invention, a mobile communications device isused to page individuals, as seen for example in FIGS. 18 a-e. In anexemplary use, a near field communications enabled mobile communicationsdevice reads information, preferably, from an NFC tag or some othersource of appropriate information, that provides the informationnecessary to page a person or thing. For example, the mobilecommunications device when placed with range of an NFC tag, reads theNFC tag at a particular location and receives information from the NFCtag indicating the contact information, e.g., a phone number, of aperson desired to be paged. This information is stored in the mobilecommunications device, and used, when initiated by the user on themobile communication device, to page the person, preferably by anapplication of a secure transfer program residing and operating on themobile communication device. Additionally, the mobile communicationdevice provides additional information to the person being paged,including, but not limited to, a location or phone number to respond to.For example, in a store or restaurant, the paging system is used torequest assistance from a store or restaurant employee. An NFC tag at aspecified location is read by a mobile communication device having NFC.The mobile communication device executing an appropriate programprovides its user an option to page a store associate or waitress. Ifthe user accepts the option, the mobile communication device, using theinformation acquired and interpreted from the NFC tag, e.g., thebusiness and specific location in that business where the consumer islocated and information to establish communications with a serverassociated with the business, will send the user's location informationto the server associated via the wireless or Internet data connection ofthe mobile communication device. The server, based on the informationreceived from the mobile communication device, will understand thelocation of the user requesting a page. The server will then providethat information to the business at that location of the user so thatthe business can, in turn, notify an employee where a user is requestingassistance. In another aspect, the server accesses business recordsassociated with the business where the user is located, and determineswhat employees are currently working. Having determined what employeesare working, the server sends a call out to that specific employee viaSMS, MMS, mobile communication device, or other communication means. Theemployee then is directed to the user at the specified location in thebusiness. In another aspect, the information on the NFC tag is used bythe mobile communication devices to communicate directly with a businessemployee based on the information from the NFC tag. The information onthe NFC tag is contact information for an employee or employees of thestore, e.g., a phone number, a cell phone number, an email address,instant messaging address, etc. The mobile communication device uses thecontact information to directly communicate, e.g., by calling oremailing, with the business employee. In an exemplary use in arestaurant, as depicted in FIG. 18 b, an NFC tag 1801 located on arestaurant table is read by a customer's mobile communication device1802 having NFC capability. The mobile communication device 1802communicates through its cellular tower system 1803 to its cellularserver 1804. The cellular server 1804 communicates with the businessserver 1805 which determines an appropriate employee and thencommunicates with the communication device 1806 of the employee 1807. Inanother exemplary use in a store, as depicted in FIG. 18 c, an NFC tag1811 on a restaurant table is read by a customer's mobile communicationdevice 1812 having NFC capability. The mobile communication device 1812communicates through its cellular tower system 1813 to its cellularserver 1814. The cellular server 1814 communicates with the businessserver 1815 which determines an appropriate employee and thencommunicates with the communication device 1816 of the employee 1817.

In another aspect, the mobile communication system is used to be arecipient of page, for example, based on a queuing or some otherordering system which could be used in such scenarios as a deli or abank line, as seen for example in FIGS. 18 a-e. The consumer can taptheir mobile communication device to a NFC reader or NFC tag. The NFCreader in the deli scenario receives user information from the user'smobile communication device through a NFC communication. That userinformation is contact information of the user, e.g., the mobilecommunication device phone number or email address of the consumer. Thereader at the deli, working alone or in conjunction with a computerserver, has pre-defined rules that will send a page at an appropriatetime when it is the user's time for service. The reader at the deli,either alone or in conjunction with a server sends a page through anInternet connection or telephone system to the user's mobilecommunication device; the server receives updates as users are processedthrough the queue and when the service is ready for the next customer.The user can receive that page via SMS, MMS, phone call, or othercommunications protocol. The queuing system and hierarchy can bemaintained either at the reader or the reader can simply communicate theinformation to a server that has an application which controls andprocesses the paging and queuing of the service entity, e.g., the deli.In another aspect of the service scenario, e.g., a deli, a consumercontinues to shopping and is paged based on a predefined advancednotice, e.g., when there is only two people before him in the queue.This paging system creates an efficiency for commerce and service bywasting less time for the consumer. In an exemplary use in a delirestaurant, as depicted in FIG. 18 d, an NFC reader 1841 located on adeli service counter which reads a customer's mobile communicationdevice 1842 having NFC capability and receives contact information. TheNFC reader 1841 communicates the contact information to its associatedcomputer system 1845. The computer system 1841 maintains a queuingsystem and, when the time is appropriate in the progression of the queueto page the customer, the computer system 1845 communicates with acellular server 1844 and using the contact information contacts thecustomer's mobile communication device 1842 through its tower 1843 andindicates a signal indicating a page. In another exemplary use in abank, as depicted in FIG. 18 e, an NFC reader 1851 located on a bankservice counter which reads a customer's mobile communication device1852 having NFC capability and receives contact information. The NFCreader 1851 communicates the contact information to its associatedcomputer system 1845. The computer system 1851 maintains a queuingsystem and, when the time is appropriate in the progression of the queueto page, the customer the computer system 1855 communicates with acellular server 1854 and using the contact information contacts thecustomer's mobile communication device 1852 through its tower 1853 andindicates a signal indicating a page.

A method of using the smartlink transaction is described with respect toFIG. 15. It is known for a customer to log onto the Internet andpurchase items from stores on the Internet. Typically, the customer paysfor the selected items by the use of a credit card by enteringinformation into a web page or pages of the seller. Adding a smartlinktransaction is initiated by a third party system. The security andreliability of the transaction is increased by strengthening thelikelihood that a customer who is paying for a purchase with a financialinstrument, e.g., a credit card, is also the owner of the credit card oracting under the authority of the owner of the credit card.

As seen in FIG. 15, there are four elements of the remote paymentconfirmation system. A smartlink device 900, a smartlink server 1520, afinancial system server 1510, and the seller's system server 1530. Thesmartlink device 900, which in a preferred embodiment, is a smartlinkcapable device 900 similar to that described above. The seller's systemserver 1530 is the computer system maintained or operated by, or for, aseller. A financial system server 1510 is associated with the user'sfinancial institution. The financial system may be, for example, acredit card, a bank, or an other financial institution. The seller maybe, for example, a retail shop, an online store, or other brokerageand/or transaction broker. In this use, a remote smartlink transactionis initiated by a third system, e.g., the seller's system 1530.

A method of using the remote smartlink transaction is described withrespect to FIG. 16. As seen in FIG. 16, in segment S1802, a user selectsthe item(s) that he wishes to purchase. If, for example, the seller isan e-merchant that is accessible on-line, the user may select a seriesof items from the choices provided by the seller and places them in hisshopping cart. In another aspect, a user may contact and select itemsfrom a seller by mobile communication device. In segment S1804, the userproceeds to pay for the items chosen. In segment S1806, the selecteditems for purchase are totaled.

In segment S1812, the user selects a method of payment. In an on-linepurchase environment, for example, the user will select his preferredmethod of payment by clicking on the icon representing the paymentmethod or otherwise indicating his decision. In a mobile communicationdevice purchase environment, for example, the user will select thepayment method by telling the seller (or the seller's agent) hispreferred method of payment. In a preferred approach, the user selectssmartlink Financial as the preferred method of payment. The user'sselection is received by the seller's system.

In segment S1814, the seller's system determines what method wasselected or chosen by the user and communicates with the respectiveserver of the payment method. For example, if the user chose VISA, theseller's system will communicate with the VISA server. If the userselected smartlink Financial as the method of payment, then the processcontinues to segment S1816.

In segment S1816, the seller's system requests identifying informationfrom the user. The identifying information is used to associate the userwith the transaction. The identifying information can be, for example, asmartlink account number or the user's mobile communication devicenumber that the user desires to use for the transaction. In segmentS1818, the seller's system communicates identifying information to asmartlink server. In segment S1820, the smartlink system receives theidentifying information and determines the associated user.

In segment S1822, the smartlink server will send the customer—to theuser's mobile communication device equipped with the smartlink system—asignal asking if customer had requested to purchase some items fromseller and requests confirmation. In a preferred embodiment, this is adigital communication, mostly likely in the form of an SMS. In segmentS1823, after receiving the SMS signal, the user can send a signal backto the smartlink system confirming the transaction. In one aspect, eachitem, and possibly the price, is displayed on the user's mobilecommunication device so that the user can confirm the purchase of eachitem. In another aspect, the seller's information is displayed and thetotal purchase price is presented for the approval of the user. Insegment S1824, the smartlink awaits the confirmation signal(s) from theuser. If, and when, the confirmation signal is received from the user,the process continues to segment S1826. In segment S1826, if user hasdeclined, then the purchase is canceled.

In segment S1826, if user has accepted, then process continues tosegment S1832. In segment S1832, the smartlink application will thenrequest that the user enter his PIN number. In segment S1834, if the PINnumber is accepted, then the smartlink application on the mobilecommunication device will unencrypted the information that is notunencrypted, and the information (which may be encrypted or unencrypted)is then sent to the financial server with acceptance certificates andthe server unencrypts. The user's financial information stored in themobile communication device and transmits it to the smartlink server.The user's information sent to the financial server will be encrypted.In general, the information sent to the financial server is, forexample, an encrypted certificate and acceptance command as well as theuser's information such as address, name, credit card number, etc. Thisinformation will typically include the user's billing and preferredshipping address as well as contact information (day and evening mobilecommunication device numbers, possibly even an email address). In thisaspect, the user is not required to enter this information as part of apurchase, but the information is added to the purchase as part of thesmartlink exchange of information with the seller's server.

In segment S1840 the financial institution's server communicates to theseller to confirm approval or the third party server's communicates tothe financial institutions server to confirm the purchase and then thefinancial institution's server communicates to the sellers server (thisassumes that the financial institution has also approved thetransaction, i.e., that the user has a sufficient amount of funds orline of credit available for the desired transaction.) The processcontinues to segment S1842.

In segment S1842, once the transaction confirmation and approval isprovided to the seller's server, the user is provided a signal,preferably a digital communication in the form of an SMS, reflectingthat a purchase has been processed from a specific store and can includetotal amount, items, etc. The process continues to segment S1880.

In segment S1880, the process ends.

Thus, a remotely conducted financial transaction is confirmed bycontacting the user associated with the payment method and receivingconfirmation from him. In another aspect, the financial institution andthe smartlink server are part of a single system. This is depicted inFIG. 15 as Financial/smartlink server 1510/1520. In yet another aspect aconvention mobile user interface 1501 which does not include a smartlinkmodule (FIGS. 1-7) or embedded smartlink (FIG. 8) is used place of asmartlink capable device 900 in a remotely conducted financialtransaction as described with respect to FIGS. 15 and 16.

In another use, the user's smartlink system initiates and facilitatesthe processing of a financial transaction. The process is initiated whenthe user with a smartlink device approaches and taps (places it veryclose to) the smartlink device to the smartlink reader. The securetransfer program recognizes the process necessary that corresponding tothe reader and starts that process. The user inputs their PIN to releaseencrypted information. The mobile communication device sends thisinformation to the user's bank and to the seller's bank. Once the twobanks communicate and the transaction is approved, one of the bankssends a signal to the user's mobile communication device with acertificate (to show authenticity) and an electronic token (whichrepresents a certain value). The mobile communication device is tappedon the NFC reader and sends this information to the NFC reader/relaycircuit. The NFC reader processes the transaction if the certificate andthe value are appropriate.

In another aspect of the invention, enables a user to access a securedsystem with several facilities, where some of the facilities havedifferent access control systems back ends computer, data, orcommunication systems from different service providers or requiredifferent passwords as seen for example in FIG. 20. A user using amobile communication device which is smartlink enabled visits a firstfacility having a first access control system and places the mobilecommunication device near a reader of the first access control system.Using identifying information received from the first access controlsystem, the mobile communication device determines what the firstfacility to be. Upon a prompt, the users inputs a PIN number whichenables the mobile communication device to contact a server associatedwith the access control system and request a passkey. The server is acentralized server that can contain, control, issue, verify and do othersuch actions where the specific key for that specific location will beissued to the user after the user of the mobile communication devicethat is smartlink enabled is confirmed. This allows for centralizationand a unique networking of multiple facilities with multiple accesscontrols systems. mobile communication device provides the user'sinformation and the facility information and upon verification, theserver associated with the access control system provides a passkey tothe mobile communication device via the mobile communications devicesinternet connection, the key provides the user access to at least aportion of that facility. The user is notified of the receipt of thepasskey, and taps the mobile communication device to the access controlreader of the first facility. The passkey key is provided by the mobilecommunication device to the reader of that facility allows entry to thatuser. The mobile communication device communicates the pass keyinformation to the reader via NFC communication.

Another aspect of the invention is used to facilitate information ondemand as seen for example in FIG. 19. In this aspect, information isprovided to the mobile communication device having near fieldcommunications capabilities 1902 based on the tag information from anNFC tag or NFC reader 1901. For example, the users taps their mobilecommunication device 1902 to, and receives tag information from, eithera NFC tag or NFC reader 1901. The mobile communication device 1902processes the information received from the NFC tag or NFC reader anduses the information to determine and establish communications with itscellular service or the like, and access an Internet website based onthe tag information. In an exemplary use, the tag information is a webbased URL. The mobile communication device 1902 also uses the taginformation to determine which application on the mobile communicationdevice is used to perform the access. For example, the tag informationindicates that the cellular service is to be used. Any applications onthe mobile communication device 1902 can be used. Once the applicationis determined and the application is executed, the mobile communicationdevice 1902 application interacts with the website to coordinate themethod of communications, e.g., downloading or streaming, as well asother communications issues, e.g., security or restricted websites. In apreferred embodiment, five different types of information can beprovided to the user through her mobile communication device:Text/Images, Video, Audio, Flash, and phone. These are briefly describedas follows:

Text/Images communications permit text and/or images to be viewed by auser on the mobile communication device either by downloading orstreaming the text/images to the mobile communication device.

Video communications permit a video to be viewed by a user on the mobilecommunication device either by downloading or streaming the video to themobile communication device.

Audio communications permit audio to be played for a user on the mobilecommunication device either by downloading or streaming the audio to themobile communication device.

Flash communications permit a flash file to be displayed for a user onthe mobile communication device either by downloading or streaming theflash filed to the mobile communication device. A flash file is known tothose with skill in the art.

Phone communications permits user to be directly connected to thespecific person or service they need or wish to talk to that is definedor connected based on the information received by the mobilecommunication device from the NFC tag.

Routing of the information to the mobile communication device isperformed as conventionally known where an application running on themobile communication device recognizes the unique scenario and processesthat scenario. Information on demand can use the information on the NFCtag to make the mobile communication device communicate via an internetconnection to a server and access one of the five scenarios forinformation on demand. It can begin a video stream to the mobilecommunication device, it can begin an audio stream to the mobilecommunication device, it can access images and text on the mobilecommunication device, it can access download of an interactive flashfile to the mobile communication device, or it can route the mobilecommunication device to initialize a phone call to a specific individualsuch as a customer service or sales representative specific to thatproduct or service without requiring the consumer to route through menusor voice prompts.

Similarly, in another aspect of the invention, the mobile communicationdevice is a conduit for a web based application. In an exemplary use,web applications run on the mobile communication device in two ways:first, an application is a thin client, where an application on themobile communication device seamlessly accesses a web based applicationthat can run on the mobile communication device but the consumer can nottell the difference between the web based application existing on themobile communication device as an installed and executing program on themobile communication device or the application “virtually” being on themobile communication device and actually being executed on a remoteserver and being displayed on the display of the mobile communicationdevice and using inputs of the mobile communication device. In a secondscenario, the mobile communication device runs a first application thatrecognizes, based on a self identification system, e.g., the double tapmethodology described above, the type and kind of second application.The first application accesses the data connection of the mobilecommunication device and communicates with a web location associatedwith the second application. From the web location, the mobilecommunication devices receives either the third application, a subapplication which is related to the second application, or theinformation that the first application needs to build and install thethird application on the mobile communication device. Thus, in thisscenario, as the second application remains on the remote server and isnot installed on the mobile communication device, limits to the mobilecommunication device's memory are not an issue. Sub applications thatare used often stay on the phone, and applications that are not usedoften are deleted and replaced with new applications depending on theuse and need of the individual using the mobile communication device.Both scenarios solve the issue of limited space on the mobilecommunication device's memory allowing hundreds and even thousands ofapplications on the mobile communication device capitalizing on highspeed wireless data networks.

Many of the advantages of the present invention are apparent whenlooking at some of the many different applications of the presentinvention. Not limited to sales, the methods and apparatus describedabove can be used for any financial or information transaction, accesscontrol of systems and facilities, access or remote access toinformation warehouses such as medical database, etc. For example, themethods and apparatus described above can be used to transfer money fromthe user's account to another party's account, where the informationnecessary to conduct the transaction is transferred to the user's mobilecommunication device, by placing the user's mobile communication devicein close proximity to the other party's mobile communication device.Both the user's mobile communication device and the other party's mobilecommunication device have secure cellular network connections to thefinancial institution's servers. All transactions can be tracked, so ifa user provides another party with a balance transfer, the transactionis tracked to show where the funds are transferred to. As inconventional funds transfers, the user's and other party's financialinstitution records transactions, and the records of these transactionsare maintained by the respective financial institutions.

In another aspect, the secure transfer program has more than one type oftransaction that it can process. For example, the secure transferprogram can process POS sales and also process access control. In anaspect, when the secure transfer program becomes active, (e.g., afterreceiving a signal in a NFC frequency from a NFC receiver/transmitter),the secure transfer program will prompt the user to select which type ofprocess the user would like to conduct. Once selected, the securetransfer program then executes the appropriate process.

In another aspect, the secure transfer program will recognize theappropriate type of transaction that the user is most likely interestedin conducting. In this aspect a signal from a NFC receiver/transmitterwill include an identification of the context or type of transactionsystem that it is a part of. When the secure transfer program is notalready executing a process and it receives a signal from a NFCreceiving/transmitter, the program will examine the signal to determineif it contains information identifying the context of the transaction.If the signal does include contextual information, then the securetransfer program begins a confirmation process for that context. Forexample, in a point of sale context, the POS NFC receiver/transmitterwill transmit signals that includes a signal indicating that the contextis POS. If the secure transfer program identifies the context as a POS,then the secure transfer program will commence the confirmation process.

While the invention has been described and illustrated with reference tospecific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that manymodifications and substitutions could be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, even though a particular embodimentis not specifically described. For example, the different processingsegments described above are not limited to those segments or that orderof segments, segments may be omitted and still maintain the spirit andscope of the invention. Although generally the description above refersto a processing chip, it should not be so limited and can include manyother implementations and instrumentalities. The chip could be, forexample, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, transceiver, ormodule. Although the inventions above are generally described withrespect to financial transactions, the invention is not intended to beso limited and can be used to increase the security of any type of datathat can be stored in a mobile communication device. Although describedas a mobile communication device and the invention is not so limited andcan include various mobile user interfaces including cellular phones,mobile communicators, personal digital assistants, portable processingdevices, keyboard, keypads, and biometric devices.

Additionally, although several different embodiments and aspects of theinvention are described above, the methods of use are applicable toevery variation of the invention although each embodiment may require amodification of the methods of necessary to be adapted to eachinvention. Further adaptation of the methods of use may be required forthe use of the invention in different contexts.

Additionally, although examples are described with respect to thetransfer of funds, the invention is not so limited and theimplementation of the invention may also include acceptance of credit.For example, the user's financial institution may provide the sellerwith a indication that maybe will be made at a future date and seller'swill accept this indication and permit a transaction to continue as ifthe money had actually been transferred. This most likely would be occurwhere the user's financial institution is a credit card company; thecredit card company may not “pay” (transfer finds) contemporaneous withthe user's purchase, but instead may transfer finds at a later time.Although not expressly indicated, the secure transfer program in eachembodiment and/or aspect of the invention may be different. The programmay also vary depending on the type and model of mobile communicationdevice used. Further, there are different methods of confirming theprocessing (e.g., “getting approval”) with the use of the embodimentsdescribed above, and the invention is not intended to be so limited.Although the embodiments are generally described with respect to aseller's computer system communicating with a financial institution, theinvention is not intended to be so limited and the seller's system cancommunicate with more than one financial institution.

Additionally, in many of the aspects described above, a noncommunication device can be used in place of a mobile communicationdevice. For example, a personal digital assistant can be coupled with asmartlink module. Furthermore, although the above descriptions refer toconfirmation/authentication of an owner and/or user, the invention isnot meant to be limited to the actual owner/user. For example, a usertells a third party his PIN number so that the third party can use theuser's mobile communication device to perform a transaction. (e.g.,purchase a soft drink). Although some of the inventions are described ashaving devices or circuit being in compliance with establishedstandards, e.g., ISO standards, the invention is not intended on beingso limited. For example, a mobile communication device may communicatewith a smartlink processing chip in a contact mode following ISOstandard 7816. However, the operating system in a mobile communicationdevice maybe designed to communicate with the processing chip in acontact mode using any conventional communication standard.

Furthermore, in the processes/methods of use descriptions above,separate processes/segments may be combined into a singleprocess/segments therefore reducing the number distinctprocesses/segments and visa versa; process that are represented as asingle segment, may be broken down into a plurality of segments. When adescription above refers to a transfer of money, this is not meant to belimited to an actual transfer of money, but may include other transfersincluding where the transferee may anticipate that the transfer willoccur and approve the transaction before the money is transferred.

In the descriptions above, a secure transfer program may be a singleprogram or application, a program/application with sub-programs and/orsub-applications, or it may be many programs and/or applications. Asecure transfer program may have different requirements to properlyexecute the appropriate transaction process. For example, a securetransfer program for a vending machine context is likely to be differentfrom a secure transfer program for a point of sale scenario.Additionally, the selection of the appropriate secure transfer programfor a transaction context may be done manually by a user or it might bedone automatically by a secure transfer program recognizing the contextin which it is being used. An automatic recognition feature may be basedon a secure transfer program recognizing and identifying a signal from aNFC reader. For example, a secure transfer program of a mobilecommunications device will recognize the context as a vending machinewhen the mobile communication device is held close enough to the vendingmachine and the mobile communications device receives a signal from thevending machine and identifies that signal as coming from a vendingmachine.

The description above refers to a mobile communication device capable ofnear field communications and a near field communication enabled mobilecommunication device, or the like, which is, but is not limited to, amobile communication device that includes circuitry that enables theoperation of near field communications, i.e., reading, writing, and cardemulation.

Additionally, although not necessarily expressly stated in theembodiments and aspects of the invention described above, a smartlinksystem is intended to generally include a mobile communications devicewith a smartlink module, or smartlink module functionality, and asmartlink server. In the preferred embodiments, the smartlink server isa computer system which stores information of a user and can communicatewith the mobile communication device of the user by cellular connectionor other appropriate means. The smartlink server can communicate withthird party computer systems (e.g., of a seller or other third party) toexchange information and/or to provide and/or receive payment.

Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by theforegoing description but is only limited by the scope of the claims.

1. A system for paging an employee of a business, comprising: a nearfield communication device located in said business configured toprovide a near field communication enabled mobile communication deviceassociated with a customer with contact information for said business;said near field communication device configured to provide locationinformation of said near field communication device; and a computerserver system associated with said contact information for said businessand associated with said business for maintaining and processingbusiness location and employee information, said computer server systemconfigured to receive a communication from a customer including saidlocation information, said computer server system configured to causecommunication to said business based on said location information;wherein said computer server system is configured to determine acurrently on-duty employee associated with said location information,said computer server system being configured to determine contactinformation of said on-duty employee, and said computer server systembeing configured to cause communication with said on-duty employee andprovide location information of said customer.
 2. A method for paging anemployee of a business, comprising the step of: providing, to a nearfield communication enabled mobile communication device of a customerlocated near a near field communication device, contact information forsaid business and location information of said near field communicationdevice; receiving, by a computer server system associated with saidcontact information for said business and associated with said businessfor maintaining and processing business location and employeeinformation, said contact information from said customer; causing, bysaid computer server system, communication to said business based onsaid business and location information, said act of causing furthercomprising: determining by said computer server system a currentlyon-duty employee associated with said location information; determiningby said computer server system contact information of said on-dutyemployee; and causing communications with said on-duty employee toprovide location information of said customer.